Program Leader, Global Plastics Reduction & Circularity

Kimberly-Clark seeks a Program Leader for Global Plastics Reduction & Circularity in Roswell, GA. This role involves leading initiatives to reduce plastics and enhance sustainability across product lines. Responsibilities include developing performance standards, collaborating with internal teams, analyzing market trends, and representing the company in external forums. A bachelor's degree in a related field and 7+ years of experience in the circular economy are required.
About the position

In this pivotal role at Kimberly-Clark, you will lead the company's global initiatives aimed at reducing plastics and enhancing circularity within our product lines. As a Program Leader, you will be instrumental in advancing our sustainability goals, which are integral to our mission of creating Better Care for a Better World. Your responsibilities will encompass strategic leadership, where you will develop and implement performance standards that align with our business objectives. You will also provide technical expertise to integrate 'Design for Sustainability/Circularity' principles into our core business practices, including product development and marketing strategies. You will work closely with various internal teams, including Sustainability, Research & Engineering, Product Safety, Supply Chain Operations, and Brand Marketing, to foster collaboration and drive innovation. Your role will require you to analyze market trends and technologies to identify opportunities for plastics reduction and circularity, ensuring that our initiatives not only meet regulatory requirements but also resonate with our customers and stakeholders. As you advance our plastics reduction strategy, you will coordinate the global deployment of leading practices and ensure that our initiatives are effectively communicated both internally and externally. This includes developing key messages and commercial programming that engage customers and enhance our competitive advantage. You will also represent Kimberly-Clark in various external forums, collaborating with NGOs, government bodies, and industry associations to influence the transition towards a circular economy. Your ability to manage multiple priorities and work cross-functionally will be crucial as you navigate the complexities of this role. You will be expected to deliver results that align with our long-term sustainability goals, including our 2030 plastic footprint objectives. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on our environmental initiatives while working within a company that values innovation and sustainability.

Responsibilities
• Advance the strategy, standards, and activation plans for plastics reduction and circularity across K-C's brands and product portfolio.
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• Deliver target performance aligned to Business Segment and Enterprise objectives.
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• Coordinate global deployment and sharing of leading practices for adoption.
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• Provide leadership and subject matter expertise in identifying and analyzing trends, technologies, business models, partnerships, and market insights.
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• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Business Segments to maintain and manage the plastics reduction roadmap and pipeline of initiatives.
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• Define relevant plastic reduction and circularity metrics and supporting data management/analytics platforms.
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• Work closely with category teams and ABUs to develop and validate key messages and commercial programming.
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• Represent K-C on leading NGO, government, or industry association advisory bodies.
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• Work cross-functionally, using leadership, influence, and business acumen to evaluate risks and opportunities.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in environmental science/engineering, sustainability, or similar.
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• 7+ years of experience in a circular economy area such as cradle-to-cradle strategies, waste management (reduction, recycling, reusing).
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• 3+ years in product management and/or product design for environment/sustainability/circularity, ideally within CPG.
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• Strong business acumen, influence, and change management expertise.
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• Strong digital capabilities (e.g., data management, analytics, workflow management).
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• Comprehensive understanding of sustainability regulations related to K-C's product categories.
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• Strong communication skills (oral and written) and cultural awareness.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in a highly matrixed CPG environment.
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• Advanced degree in sustainable business or equivalent.

Benefits
• Health insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• Vision insurance
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• Access to an on-site fitness center
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• Flexible Savings and spending accounts
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• Diverse income protection insurance options